Tuesday, 29 August 2017 ~ Week #5

Hey everyone!!!

Within this past week, I celebrated the day of being in Guatemala for one month! (August 25) That celebration consisted of... well, studying, working, practicing, and praying. You don't do much more than that at the CCM.

As a general report of last week, the influenza hit us really badly. I was out for most of the day this past Friday trying to sleep because of this. I had chills on my back with sweat on my forehead, lots of physical weakness, and a bad headache. I didn't end up sleeping though because so much was on my mind. But this is yet another opportunity for my body to adapt to the conditions of the country, so it's only another reason to be grateful.

Later that evening when I was sick, I had the utmost honor of listening to the conversion story and testimony of an Elder who came from Provo, Elder Solomon. This Elder is a funny guy, and super sarcastic but super friendly. It was his "Bachelor's night" because it was the day that he would have gotten married to a girl who was not a member of the church. Everything down to the napkins was planned in this ceremony, and he had had an apartment picked out and signed for lease. But his father invited him to go to a prison outside of the States, and they visited a man who lost literally everything in his life, and had to leave to seek political asylum. And the one thing that he had that helped him be happy in this life was the knowledge that he has an eternal family. He bore his testimony. Elder Solomon was touched by this. He truly wanted an eternal family, even after years of not seeing any importance of the such. He received revelation upon revelation after that point, many things happening within just a matter of four months, dating back to prom. Without this experience, he would not be here.

I was personally touched by this testimony that Elder Solomon shared. And the one thing he asked all of us to do was to share our own testimony to everyone, because we don't know who it will touch, and how much it will effect them. So this will I do.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored to the Earth today. The Priesthood, along with this, is restored as well. Had neither been brought back to these latter days, I would not have the family I have now. I was adopted through LDS Family Services, a service which is run by the power and inspiration of the Priesthood which we have today. And the Atonement of Jesus Christ, along with the Priesthood power and authority to seal families together, makes it possible for me to return to my Heavenly Father, and not alone, but with my family alongside. I am truly blessed to know that I will be able to keep my family forever. Because of this, I would not dare close my mouth and keep from speaking on the topic of eternal families. Families can be eternal, and this is promised to everyone who comes unto Christ and follows His counsel, up to the point at which their family can go to the temple. There is work being done at temples every week for those who have not had the chance in this life to be sealed to the families for eternity. It is the message of the restored Church, therefore, that everyone who wants an eternal family, and an eternal family now, can receive it in this life, if they follow the teachings of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and keep the commandments of our Heavenly Father. "And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye shall know the truthfulness of all things," as Moroni says at the end of the Book of Mormon. These things are true, and they bless my life every day. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

This past week, me and two Elders had the opportunity to sing "Creo en Cristo" for Sacrament meeting. One of the Hermanos thanked us for the number, because of the Spirit that it brought to him. As he listened, he saw the life of the Savior right before his eyes. It was a beautiful reminder to this Hermano that Jesucristo es Nuestro Salvador y Redentor. As of now, it takes me a moment to really ponder and think about the words in Spanish, but I know, sin embargo, that it is true.

One more thing. 2 more minutes, but I just have to share the impact that Ether 12:27 has had on me. I know that if we have faith in the saving and strengthening power of the Atonement, our weaknesses will become our strengths. I have already seen some of my weaknesses becoming stronger through prayer and application of scriptures. I encourage everyone to take the counsel of this scripture and come unto God in prayer about your weaknesses. I know these things are true.

Until next week in the field!!!!

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission